The truck, financed by the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), which is charged on many insurances and some rates, was handed over by Fire and Emergency Services Authority area manager Mark Kestel.

“I am happy to hand over this truck, a four wheel drive unit, carrying 2000 litres of water and specially designed and fitted out for rural fires,” he said,

He said the ESL is helping to replace a lot of the aging fire trucks such as that previously used by Kangaroo Gully.

“The brigade here is now coming on in leaps and bounds so it is great that they now have a new truck to help fulfil their role,” Mr Kestel said.

Brigade secretary Neroli Carlton said the group has about 70 members,

“We are carrying out training once a month now, we write scenarios so that member go out in the brigade’s vehicles to practice communication, and we also set up obstacles such as pole fires to provide members with experience in extinguishing the fires.”

Brigade captain Jenny Dewing said the new truck, with its many new features, would be a big asset.

“We will be training all the lieutenants on the truck first then they will train the crews,” she said.

The brigade trains once a month on Wednesday nights, with the next session to be held on March 17.

Anyone who would like further information about joining this pro-active group can call Neroli on 9761 7890 or Jenny on 9761 1139.